Hizb communication Hqrs destroyed

9 July 2002The Daily ExcelsiorExcelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR: Army and Special Task Force (STF) Doda today destroyed ‘communication headquarters’ of Hizbul Mujahideen outfit at Chandi Top, about 12 kms from Doda and gunned down one terrorist. Two other terrorists managed to escape in an injured condition. In another incident, security forces eliminated a terrorist in upper reaches of Banihal and smashed a hideout of the terrorists in Gandoh in the same district. Official sources said troops of 10 Rashtriya Rifles and STF Doda launched a joint search operation in Chandi Top village falling between Dessa and Bhaderwah last night after intercepting a message of the terrorists, which revealed their presence in the upper reaches. After trekking over 15 kms in the difficult terrain, the security personnel finally surrounded ‘communication headquarters’ of Hizbul Mujahideen outfit in wee hours of this morning. As they tried to capture the terrorists, hiding in the headquarters, the latter resorted to heavy firing with automatic weapons, which was replied by security forces. A heavy exchange of firing between both sides continued for more than two hours. In the afternoon, security forces succeeded in eliminating one terrorist. However, two other terrorists, who were also injured in the operation, managed to escape from the spot. Security forces didn’t suffer any casualties. During the operation, ‘communication headquarters’ of Hizbul Mujahideen outfit was destroyed. A mini computer, one Chinese pistol, one wireless set, one programme card and several other instruments and accessories used in communicating messages to the terrorists were recovered from the headquarters, the sources said. Identity of slain terrorist has not been established so far but he was suspected to be a local of Doda district. Security forces have started a search operation to eliminate two terrorists, who had escaped during the exchange of gun-battle. Meanwhile, in another encounter, troops of 12 RR & STF liquidated one foreign mercenary at village Zaradi in upper reaches of Banihal tehsil in Doda this evening. The terrorist was part of a group of four terrorists, who were intercepted by army soldiers when they were shifting their hideout in Hans Raj Top of Zaradi. Other terrorists escaped and were being searched. However, they hadn’t been traced so far. One AK-56 rifle with ammunition was recovered from the slain terrorist, the sources said, adding body of the terrorist has been recovered. He was identified as Abu Rashid Pakistani. Security forces smashed a hideout of the terrorists at Changwala in Thalora area of Gandoh in Doda last night. Six hand grenades and ammunition of AK rifle were recovered from the hideout. Sources said the terrorists were not present in the hideout when it was raided.